Boaters wanted for Thames River light parade in New London tonight

New London -- The Connecticut Schooner Festival will feature a special lighted boat parade tonight to celebrate the start of the New London portion of the festival.

All local boaters are welcome to participate in the parade, which departs the Thames Yacht Club at 8:30 p.m. and will make a loop to New London’s City Pier and back.

Sponsored by New London Harbour Towers, this lighted boat parade along New London’s historic waterfront will be led by a United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel.

All participating vessels should rendezvous between Thames Yacht Club and the west side of the channel. There is no fee to participate, but voluntary donations are being accepted for the Charles W. Morgan restoration fund. All interested boaters can contact their local marina for registration information.